constrict
part of speech
verb (constrict, constricts, constricted, constricting)
meaning for a pupil
1) To make something narrower or tighter by squeezing it: «The snake constricted its prey». tree →
2) (body) When blood vessels, pupils of the eye or airways get narrower: «Cold makes blood vessels constrict». tree →
3) To limit what someone can do: «Tight rules constricted the players». tree →
sense in the lessons
In science, a boa constrictor or python kills by constricting (squeezing) its prey; in the body, blood vessels constrict in cold weather to keep heat in, and airways constrict during an asthma attack (an inhaler helps them open). In stories, a «constricted throat» or «tight, constricting clothes» show fear or discomfort. Phrases: «constrict blood vessels», «a constricted throat», «constricting clothes».
examples
- The python constricts its prey until it stops breathing. tree →
- In the cold, the blood vessels in your fingers constrict. tree →
- During an asthma attack, the airways constrict, so it is hard to breathe. tree →
- His throat constricted with fear. tree →
- The tight collar constricted her neck. tree →
- Bright light makes the pupils of your eyes constrict. tree →
- Too many rules can constrict creativity. tree →
note
The noun is «constriction» and a snake that does this is a «constrictor». The opposite in the body is «dilate» (to get wider). Do not confuse with «restrict» (to limit by rules) or «construct» (to build).
Trees and pragmatics
Every meaning and example of «constrict» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.